Chapter 24: The King & Queen


[Previously:]

The fire dragon slayer laughed, nuzzling Lucy's neck and inhaling the mixed scent between vanilla and smoke. It wasn't long until Lucy's eyes caught his attention, softening at the chocolate-drop color. Carefully, Natsu brushed a strand of hair from Lucy's face, before stroking her cheek, "Lucy… I love—"

"I KNEW IT!"

"WAHHHHH—M-Mira?!"

"Oi! What the hell—"


"M-Mira?! What are you doing in here—AND HOW DID YOU EVEN GET IN?!" Lucy shouted, face red in embarrassment as she tried pulling the ripped covers to her sweaty and naked body.

Natsu growled, his possessiveness kicking in thanks to it still being mating season. "Yeah, MiraWhat ARE you doing here?" He hissed Mirajane's name, voice trailing deeper that had Lucy turn her head to him in shock. Even more surprised to see his eyes turning a green-color.

Mirajane shrugged, pointing to the door that was nearly off its hinges and wide-open. Doorknob crushed, "Your door was open… So I just HAD to see my favorite ship! You know, I had a feeling you two were doing it… Am I going to be a godmother?! I want 33 Nalu babies, remember that… Ouuh, I should start planning the wedding, OR, maybe—"

A thunderbolt struck right in front of the demon-woman, Mirajane not even flinching, but Lucy did. But the new presence in the room had Natsu snarling, protectively covering Lucy. Laxus, now, standing in the room with a hardened glare, "She-devil…" He hissed as a warning, before his wings stretched as a barrier when sensing a fireball thrown at him.

"GET. OUT!" Natsu huffed, voice darkening and eyes fading into a blood-red now—Ready to rip them to pieces that had Lucy sweatdrop.

"Oh, yeah sure! I'll let you two get back to your baby-making~ LAXUS, let's go! I DON'T KNOW WHY YOU DECIDED TO BREAK IN HERE WHEN YOU KNEW THAT NATSU AND LUCY WERE BUSY—" Mirajane continued, scolding Laxus and yanking him out of the room, down the hallway. Her voice still echoing the halls the farther she went.

Lucy and Natsu—who's eyes were back to normal—sweatdropped on the fact Mirajane blamed Laxus for being a pervert and breaking in. Even though SHE was the one that did it.

"Hey Natsu…" Lucy muttered, a couple of silence passing.

"Hm?" He hummed, pulling her close and nuzzling her neck with a content sigh. Lucy's and his scent mixed together, calmed his boiling blood.

"I need a new door," Lucy sighed sadly, Natsu snorting in laughter as he agreed. Stretching, Lucy tried to get out of bed, only for Natsu to tighten his grip with a whine, "Natsuu! Let go! We need to shower, get dressed, and THEN, fix my door!" The dragon slayer rolled his eyes, "Virgo could fix it," Natsu stated, with a straight face… As soon as her name was heard, Virgo appeared in the room with a blindfold tied around her eyes.

"Princess, you called? Do not worry, I used my personal blindfold to cover my sight, out of respect," Virgo emotionally said, bowing in greeting that made Natsu and Lucy blink in surprise.

"Virgo… How did you hear Natsu's call? I didn't summon you," Lucy questioned, shocked as Virgo straightened herself.

"I didn't hear Master Natsu's call… I sensed you needed my assistance Princess, but I also sensed your emotional state. Which is the reason I grabbed a blindfold… was I wrong that you needed me, Princess? Shall I receive punishment?" Virgo tilted her head in Lucy's direction.

"Uh, no. No punishment! But since you're here… Do you mind fixing my door please?" Lucy asked shyly, uncomfortable with bothering her spirits with things she can do herself.

"Certainly, Princess. I shall fix the door you and Master Natsu broke during your time together… Let me fetch the celestial tools, excuse me for a moment Princess," Virgo bowed, disappearing in golden sparkles.

"W-Wait! It's not what you think! The door wasn't broken because of—Dammit," Lucy shouted, flustered as she face-palmed, although Virgo's comment made Natsu burst into laughter. Glaring, Lucy smacked him upside the head, "Shut up! Come on, let's head to the bathroom. We should go now before Virgo returns." The celestial mage wrapped the sheets around herself like a long-dress.

Rolling his eyes, Natsu got off the bed and started walking across to the bathroom. Not at all covering himself, the sight of his bare ass made Lucy shout, face-red. "Natsu! Cover yourself—What if someone walked past the door, or Virgo came back early?!" She threw a pillow in his direction with an aggressive amount of force.

Catching it in his hands, Natsu used it to cover his shaft before walking straight through the bathroom door that had Lucy sigh in relief. Only for the same pillow to hit her in the face, a tick-mark appearing on Lucy's forehead.

"NATSUUU!" Lucy growled; Laughter heard in the other room as the blonde marched her way to the dragon slayer. Shutting the door and locking it behind her, with no means of escape.


[Elsewhere in the Castle:]

The dragons, in their human-form, led Makarov and Porlyusica down a long corridor. At the end, there was a big door with two humanoid-dragons, guarding it like statues. In fact, they looked almost like gargoyles.

"So… You're Edolas me?" Grandeeney asked, walking in sync and next to a grumpy Porlyusica.

"Tch, and what of it you filthy-human!" Porlyusica snapped, making Igneel chuckle. While Grandeeney sweetly-smiled, not at all fazed by the attitude, "I'm a dragon, not a human," She spoke with such kindness that the healer's eyes widened before glaring to the ground.

"Other than Grandeeney looking younger with dragon features, I would've thought you two were twins—The good and bad twin," Igneel chuckled, only to get hit in the head with a broom," Ow! Dammit I was kidding—Where the fuck did that broom come from?!" He shouted, trying to dodge Porlyusica's attempt at murder that had everyone laughing.

Once reaching the end of the hallway, with Igneel having a giant bump on his head and whining, the guards nodded in recognition to the dragons. Immediately opening the door as everyone piled into the throne room—It was HUGE! Tall and wide enough to fit a room full of dragons, Makarov's eyes widened in amazement as they walked down the red carpet. In the distance, you could see two figures sitting on their individual throne… Two smaller, empty, seats next to them.

'The other two probably belonged to Lucy and Levy,' Makarov thought halfway into the walk to see who occupied the position as King and Queen. When arriving at the ends of the sixth steps to the throne, the two figures stood tall, face visible. Porlyusica and Makarov's eyes widened—A blonde woman wore a Queen's crown and an elegant silver-gold dress. 'Her face looks like an older version of Lucy…' Makarov noticed, before eyeing the man with the King's crown. Wearing a dark-blue suit that almost seemed black, as well silver and gold lining.

"Wait…" Makarov froze in shock. Behind him, all the dragons, except Igneel, bowed to the King and Queen— "Your Acnologia!" Makarov's face hardened, "You're the one who attacked my children and made them suffer on Tenrou island," His tone was icy, tension in the air rising as the dragons shuffled anxiously.

"Why aren't you bowing?" Porlyusica questioned, side-eyeing the fire dragon as he turned to her with a toothy-grin. "The rule of thumb is that royalty should not bow to each other—I am Igneel, the Fire-Dragon King… I only bowed to Lucy on Earthland because she was a special case. I don't know exactly how to explain it, but it has to do with being my son's mate," Igneel stated sheepishly, rubbing his neck as Porlyusica nodded in understanding.

Stepping forward, Igneel placed a hand on Makarov's shoulder in an attempt to ease the situation, "However, you should ease-up… It's not what you think, Makarov." The fire-dragon had such a serious expression, sensing the guards inch closer. Everyone relaxed when Makarov sighed, and agreed, waiting for an explanation.

"Indeed, it's not at all what you think… I can assure you; I am not the one who attacked you on Earthland," The King stated, "My name is Ancalagon, King of the Dragon-Realm… The one who attacked you was named Acnologia, yes? He is my twin brother," He explained calmly, Makarov didn't know his eyes could widen even more.

"That's not possible! We heard stories that Acnologia was once a human who took up dragon slaying magic, only to be consumed by lustful hatred and power. Vowing to shed blood of any dragon or slayer for what happened to his family," Makarov said, frowning deeply.

"Tch… HE was no human—But his story is trueful, just quite different from what was made to believe. Excuse me, I apologize… Even to this day, I live with my brother's burden," Ancalagon sighed, sitting down on his throne, pinching the bridge of his nose. A lot of citizens in the kingdom still believe that he'd turn on them like his twin for being the "Black-Dragon"—Feeling her husband's stress, the Queen decided to explain the rest.

"Before we continue, let me properly introduce myself—I am Queen of the Dragon-Realm, my name is Layla Heartfilia. It's a pleasure," The Queen spoke with such softness and a sunshine smile, just like Lucy.

"Your Layla? B-But Lucy said you died," Makarov gaped in disbelief, the comment made Layla's smile dim into a sad one.

"When I sent my children to Earthland, I… I didn't have the time or strength to send them together—I sent Lucy with a friend named Jude, and Levy to Fairy Tail, along with Laxus. Both separated brought devastation to me, but their fates were always intertwined to meet again. I wasn't even able to see them grow into the woman they are today… What I sent with Lucy was a projection that held my power to keep the dragons on Earthland. However once it was all gone, so was the control of the dragons staying… The reason why I 'died' on the same day the dragons supposedly disappeared," Layla sighed.

"Each and every kin of a dragon had manipulated memories from the spell casted on Natsu… That was over 400 years ago in this realm, here time moves differently. Eighteen years there are 400 here—Because of that situation, the spell turned everyone into a child again with no recollection. Actually, opening up a portal, now that I think about it, is probably the reason Porlyusica ended on your world's ground," Layla hummed in thought before realizing a certain detail, "Oh! My apologies Makarov! For manipulating your son to think he had a hatchling."

"It's quite alright, all is forgiven—Laxus may be from this world, but he is still my grandson. Just like how all at the guild are my children… Plus I think that idiot-of-a-son had a suspicion that Laxus wasn't his," Makarov smiled, patiently waiting for the continuation of the conversation.

"Thank you—Now back to the tale of Acnologia… Long ago, my husband's family had twins; Him and Acnologia—Acnologia was first in line for the throne, having been delivered first, but their parents saw darkness brewing in his heart and not magic. They told him no, passing it on to my husband… It made Acnologia furious, killing their beloved parents and resenting all dragon-kind. As punishment for his crimes here, he was sent to your realm. Forbidden from ever returning… It was a dark era, some dragons here remember that time clearly, while others fell at the talons of his bloodlust."

"However! There is a prophecy… During the Dragon-King Festival, Acnologia will be defeated by a man who could wield the fiery-power of the sun and a woman that shines brighter than any light known—We believe that sometime in their life, Lucy and Natsu will be the one to defeat him," Layla explained with a smile.

"Unbelievable…" Porlyusica was in shock, she hadn't felt this way since she landed on Earthland and was amazed by the differences compared to Edolas. Makarov was in no better position, speechless, "That's a lot to process in little time," He frowned.

"Yes, I know… I apologize for that, but I'd appreciate it if you do not say a word to the children about the prophecy. It could ruin everything," Layla said, eyes narrowed in a serious expression before beaming once again, "Now, how about to lighten the mood and take the stress off us, we have a ball tonight! Oh, it'll be wonderful… I'll invite some of the different elemental dragons, and I'm sure they'll bring their hatchlings as well—A guard will tell everyone, while bringing each of them an outfit to wear." The Queen cheered, quite bubbly as she snapped her fingers. A guard immediately at her side as she whispered into their ear, before giving a nod to Celestial as she ran to the balcony.

Jumping off the rails and into the sky, Celestial transformed into her dragon-form and roared into the air. Sending a message far and wide, throughout the entire kingdom… Her figure disappeared the farther she flew away from the castle.

"Ryuu, you should help your sister with the announcement," Layla insisted gently, the male dragon smiling and doing the same action as the celestial dragon did from the balcony, "The rest of you, go home to your islands and prepare for the ball—Tonight, we celebrate!" Cheers were heard throughout the room, each bowing in respect before leaving the King, Queen, Makarov, and Porlyusica alone… with the guards.

"You both should go and rest as well… The two of you both look like a long nap is needed. I'll have a guard escort you to your individual rooms," Another guard walked forward, bowing in a simple greeting to Makarov and the healer. Both of them thanked the King and Queen on their way out.

"Tonight dear, we see them again," Layla muttered with an excited smile, glancing over to her husband as Ancalagon squeezed her hand.


A loud knock was heard on the door, Virgo having fixed it while the two were showering… As well as changing the torn bed covers from their previous activity. Natsu and Lucy looked at each other in confusion, especially when it knocked a second time.

"Is Happy finally back?" Natsu tilted his head in curiosity, sitting up from the bed.

"I don't think so… Or else Happy would've just barged in—I'll go see who it is," Lucy mumbled, getting up and stretching her limbs and wings, wincing as she walked. Opening the door, Lucy was met with one of the castle guards that looked to be around her age.

The guard's eyes widened to be met face-to-face with the beautiful Princess herself—from what he's heard, she controlled the stars, he'd expected one of the constellations to open the door. Tilting her head cutely making the guard blush, Lucy spoke, "Yes? Can I help you?" Her silk-voice had the boy-dragon blushing in his stance that he almost forgot all his training.

"AH! Yes, I apologize, your highness but—" The guard sputtered but was interrupted by a gentle tone. "Please… Lucy is just fine. No need to add such formalities," Lucy insisted, not used to being called "Princess" by people that weren't her spirits. The guy's eyes widened in amazement, clearing his throat to continue, "Well then, Lucy… I am here to announce that a ball is to take place tonight, here at the castle, for you and Princess Levy. Where you'll be reunited with your parents, the King and Queen. However, for now… Your friends are waiting in the dining hall for your presence."

"Okay then, thank you…" Lucy trailed-off, not knowing the guard's name.

"Damian," He said bashfully.

"Thank you then, Damian," Lucy said with a grateful smile, about to close the door, only to be stopped when the guard spoke again… or more like shouted.

"W-Wait!" He yelped, making Lucy stop, a little startled at the request. Quickly composing himself, the dragon-boy hesitantly glanced to the floor, "I-I'm sorry for shouting, but I just wanted to say that you're very nice… a-and… beautiful Princess. S-So I was wondering if you'd like to go on a d-date—WAHH!" He yelled, completely shocked when fire burst right in front of him—Natsu appearing with a growl, the guard's eyes widening in fear when recognizing the tail-signs of a demon lord from ages ago that had pink-hair and blood-red eyes.

"Beat it," Natsu said, deadly calm as the guy nodded in understanding and took off into a run down the corridor. Turning around, Natsu looked at Lucy's shocked expression before giving a cute toothy-grin at her, "Come on Luce! Everyone's waiting and I'm starving," He shouted happily, grabbing Lucy's hand and pulling her down the hallway as he followed his nose. The two passed the giant fish tank without so much as a glance.

However, if the two had stopped to look, they would've noticed Happy swimming in the fish tank. Wrestling a huge fish in his human-form, the fish trying to thrash him off while Happy nibbled on his fins.

…Natsu and Lucy were running in the hall, hand-in-hand, laughing as they neared the dining hall—With their sense of hearing, the two could already hear laughter and talking coming from the giant door at the end of the corridor.

Suddenly, the fire dragon slayer got a mischief grin, tightening his grip on Lucy's hand and twirling her around as the blonde fell on her butt. "Catch me if you can Luce!" Natsu snickered, speedily running as he flapped his wings to take flight and go faster.

"Hey, unfair! Natsuuu!" Lucy shouted, huffing in irritation as she dusted herself off before taking after him mid-flight. As soon as he was in reach, Natsu smirked and dodged, which had her flying straight into the wall… Growling, Lucy's eyes glowed in their golden fashion, her dragon-side hating the fact she was losing. Bouncing off the wall, Lucy gained a boost of speed, wings folding in on themselves like an arrowhead, she almost appeared like a shooting star—A shooting star that was fast approaching and didn't seem to stop anytime soon!

Natsu's eyes widened as he glanced over his shoulder, a twinkle in his eyes when Lucy tackled him in the air as they both tumbled to the ground… Rolling straight into the dining hall, the door bursting open that gained everyone's attention.

"Gotcha~" Lucy purred, finally pinning Natsu to the floor with a victorious smile, straddling his lap. Her eyes faded back to its beautiful brown color, only to raise an eyebrow at Natsu's devilish grin that widened. Lucy noticed too late what that smirk was about, chuckles and giggles reaching her ears as she closed her eyes shut in denial. A deep blush growing.

"Ouuuuuu~ Trying to jump his bones in the dining room… How naughty Lu-chan!" Levy teased, giggling at her spot on the table.

Looking up, Lucy was horrified to see everyone staring with smirks on their faces, all except Erza, whose face matched her hair. 'This was Natsu's plan all along! I swear, I'm gonna kill that baka… Then bring him back from the dead, and then kill him again!' Lucy internally screamed in her head, Cobra snickering from the end of the table with Kianna from hearing her thoughts. Quickly getting up, Lucy waved her hands around frantically, "I-It's not what it looks like!" She screeched in denial, everyone's smiles growing bigger. Silently cryin', the celestial mage went to sit across from Levy and Gajeel, grabbing a glass of water to cool herself off.

"Gihi, oh really bunny-girl? 'Cause it looked like you tried having your way with Salamander, right then and there," Gajeel said, widely smirking. Especially when Lucy glared at him.

"Pfft… Even if Lucy did try something like that, I'm sure that flame-brain—being back to normal and all—wouldn't understand how to even please a woman," Gray laughed, the comment making Natsu jump from his place on the floor. Glaring at the ice-mage.

"Hey, I know how too, you damn ice-princess!" Natsu shouted, Gray immediately standing to attention with a matching glare. Unconsciously stripping out of his shirt.

"I highly doubt that you, dense-moron!" Gray huffed in Natsu's face, sparks flying in annoyance between the two—Natsu snorted, a smirk gracing his lips and stepping back with a casual cross of his arms. Looking smug, "For your information, Luce and I rocked the bed, hard, as soon as we got to our room… I think we may have even broken it," Natsu firmly stated, Lucy's eyes widening as she spit out her water all over the table. The blonde choking, having a coughing-fit.

Gray stumbled backward, completely shocked, not expecting that answer, "I-I… W-Wha…" Tongue tied and completely speechless. Not having a comeback for once, the ice-mage quietly sat back down in his seat next to Juvia with a light blush on his cheeks.

"Uh, guys… I think Mirajane and Erza passed out," Jellal said, looking over to the Requip mage that fell unconscious due to so much blood rushing to her face. While Mirajane passed out from a "fangirl overload".

When Natsu went to sit beside Lucy, he was immediately met with a smack upside the head, "Hey! OW! What was that for Luce?!" Natsu hissed in pain, rubbing the back of his head and glaring at his mate. "You don't just say THOSE things in front of people!" Lucy shouted in embarrassment.

"So that's the reason you two smell different," Levy said, smirking as her head leaned on her palm. Glaring over to her best friend, Lucy stuck her tongue out, "Yes, okay fine! But now what's your excuse Levy?!" Lucy spat, making everyone gasp. Especially when the solid-script mage paled before turning bright red. Even Gajeel coughed into his hands, a light blush forming.

"Oh my gosh!" Mirajane woke up, squealing at hearing the news. Fangirling all over again and fainting, seeing all the multi-colored haired babies flying around her head.

"Gray-sama! We should do it too! Maybe then Gray-sama will smell like Juvia," Juvia said with hearts in her eyes. She tried to tackle Gray, his eyes widening in horror as he yelped at the sudden change of mood.

"Hey dad… What are they talking about?" Romeo asked with a look of curiosity, Wendy also, looking to Macao for an answer.

Eyes widening at the innocence in the two children's eyes, he shook his head, "N-Nothing you both should know and need to worry about!" Macao injected quickly. Wendy and Romeo glanced at one another in confusion.

"Honestly… You all shouldn't even be having a discussion like this in front of children," Carla huffed in a scolding tone, crossing her arms to herself, "Speaking of children… Where is that childish tom-cat?" The white Exceed curiously questioned. Everyone glanced around the table when realizing Happy wasn't here or with Natsu and Lucy—Suddenly, the dining room door's burst open.

Happy stood in his human-form, soaked to the bone and dragging a huge raw-fish, "I… Finally… Got the fish!" He cheered tiredly, making everyone's eyes widen.

"Holy shit! That's a huge fish," Sting shouted in amazement.

"Happy…" Lucy warned, "Did you get that fish from the fish-tank?"

"No… I got it from this magical unicorn that burst through the window and said, 'Happy… You must have this fish, it is YOUR destiny!' and then I told them, 'Noo… I told Rushie I wouldn't.' Then the unicorn was like, 'But I insist Happy! It's your destiny~' and I was like, 'Well if you insist…' So that's how I got the fish!" Happy explained with a smile, Lucy staring at the blue fur ball with such a blank expression.

"Wow! That's so cool, Happy!" Natsu jumped in excitement and disbelief that had everyone facepalming. Except for Sting, who also stared in awe.